Best Practical Mods for a 2025 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium (Snow Trips, Surfing, and Daily Driving)

[SurfRunner]

Hi everyone,
I recently picked up a 2025 4Runner TRD Black Off-Road Premium and am looking for some input from those with more experience modifying these rigs. My use case is fairly straightforward:

• Primary use: Daily driver (office commute via freeway).
• Trips: Frequent winter runs to Mammoth — mostly paved snowy roads with occasional icy patches.
• Surfing: The other major use case is frequent beach trips. ON paved road mostly, sometimes dirt, loaded with surfboards and people.
• Priorities: Maintain decent fuel efficiency, avoid unnecessary complexity, and keep it practical for hauling people + gear.

I’m considering a few areas of modification and would love to hear your perspectives. I really like the general look and mods posted here (https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/thr...eak-at4w-285-75-17-method-305-25-offset.5884/) by kt1003 but wanted to see what the community thought of some of my specific questions:

1. Leveling vs. Lift Kits:
   • Looking at the Rough Country lift kit vs. the Westcott Designs preload collar kit for the new 2025s.
   • Goal: Slightly more aggressive stance + room for slightly larger tires, but I don’t want to compromise MPG or make loading gear harder (especially with surfboards/roof racks).
   • Question: For mostly highway + snow + sand conditions, would you go with a level, a mild lift, or leave stock?
2. Tires (Snow Performance):
   • I like the look of bigger setups but don’t think 35s make sense given performance/odometer recalibration/fuel concerns.
   • Ideally, I’d like a tire that’s going to be good enough to drive daily on freeway without creating too much road noise, getting too stiff but also allow me to do those winter trips to Mammoth. I like the design and the Three Peak rating with the Falken Wildpeak AT4 but worried about Load E rating and losing daily drive comfort.
   • Question: Any specific tire recommendations that balance on-road efficiency, and improved performance in winter conditions?
3. Wheels + Offset:
   • Planning to go bronze to match some bronze badge overlays I’ve already picked up. Thinking Method 703s and 305s Bronze but Im sure there are many more great options..
   • Question: 17" vs. 18"? Leaning towards something in 20-40mm + offset but interested in hearing community thoughts.
4. Other Tips:
   • Any “must-have” mods or accessories for someone splitting time between mountain snow trips, surf/beach runs, and daily commuting?

Thank you for your time and input. Ive already learned a ton reviewing threads on here. I will post pictures once I finish the mods.

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[fur_runner]

1. Stock. This is a visual thing only, since the tire size limit is more front to back in the wheel well. If you want to do it, do it, but I wouldn't prioritize it
2. If you're not planning on going offroading (which you didn't mention at all) more than like 20% of the time, I would just get a road tire with 3PSMF and call it a day. You're gonna hate the road noise that comes with any tire that changes the game in sand, which sounds like where you would most likely wind up. Also if you're looking to maintain fuel economy I wouldn't change the OE diameter
3. But if you're gonna change wheels, I would get the 17s and get more sidewall while retaining the OE tire diameter
4. I don't know if you have a hybrid or not, but if you do I would consider a freezer in the back. It would def make a difference on hot days to have cold drinks. If you don't have a hybrid it isn't worth it.

 

[Scrappopatamus]

I'm having a Wescott Collar lift installed Tuesday on our TRD Off Road Premium. I'll share some photos and report back when I have an opportunity to drive. BTW, I've been dealing with Jason at Wescott and have had a really good experience. Installing on the '18 tomorrow.

 

[SurfRunner]

1. Stock. This is a visual thing only, since the tire size limit is more front to back in the wheel well. If you want to do it, do it, but I wouldn't prioritize it
2. If you're not planning on going offroading (which you didn't mention at all) more than like 20% of the time, I would just get a road tire with 3PSMF and call it a day. You're gonna hate the road noise that comes with any tire that changes the game in sand, which sounds like where you would most likely wind up. Also if you're looking to maintain fuel economy I wouldn't change the OE diameter
3. But if you're gonna change wheels, I would get the 17s and get more sidewall while retaining the OE tire diameter
4. I don't know if you have a hybrid or not, but if you do I would consider a freezer in the back. It would def make a difference on hot days to have cold drinks. If you don't have a hybrid it isn't worth it.

Appreciate the insights/advise! A couple follow ups to comments:

-Yes not planning on off-roading beyond some unpaved dirt roads and forest service roads at the moment.
-Good to hear level/lift wont meaningfully change functional clearence for tires I'm considering. I guess at this point it would be for looks, seems like most people based on old threads are happy with the visual changes to the RC level but would be open to hearing more.
3. No hybrid but that freezer option sounds so good after a day in the water.

 

[SurfRunner]

I'm having a Wescott Collar lift installed Tuesday on our TRD Off Road Premium Tuesday. I'll share some photos and report back when I have an opportunity to drive. BTW, I've been dealing with Jason at Wescott and have had a really good experience. Installing on the '18 tomorrow.

Awesome! Looks like a great mod. Are you switching up any part of the stock wheels/tires as well or seeing how it goes?

 

[Scrappopatamus]

Awesome! Looks like a great mod. Are you switching up any part of the stock wheels/tires as well or seeing how it goes?

I've got a set of TRD Black alloys supposedly coming and probably will switch over the stock LTX tires. My Girlfriend drives this one. We've done a lot of interior mods along with Toyota mud guards and upgraded to the Toyota Premium Horns and installed Red Line hood struts. The D pillar cargo lights are a good upgrade if yours doesn't have them. My Pro has them and they give you a lot more light when you're looking in the back for something in the dark. I installed the Las-fit rubber mats, replacing the Toyota ones because she's on the farm and figure these will provide better protection this winter. I also installed the center console tray and compartment for the inside of the console lid. I have these in all of mine and feel it's one of the best inexpensive mods

 

[Badkarma8541]

Stereo amp, red line struts, lasfit mats, ceramic paint. Ott tune.

 

[FloRunner]

Hey @SurfRunner - I had the same thought on wheels and lift.
Black ORP with Bronze Method 703's and the Westcott lift.
Everyone has their own preference of course, but I LOVE that black on bronze look.

 

[SurfRunner]

Hey @SurfRunner - I had the same thought on wheels and lift.
Black ORP with Bronze Method 703's and the Westcott lift.
Everyone has their own preference of course, but I LOVE that black on bronze look.

@FloRunner your design looks awesome! Those wheels and tires look great.

What tires are you running on that?

Do you think the Wescott lift changed the look of the vehicle significantly? I haven’t been able to see one with that mod outside of photos so trying to understand if the lift changes the look significantly on its own?

Any downside you’ve noticed so far?

 

[bakutheleo]

I generally agree with fur-runner (great handle, BTW!), likely stock is fine. I have the ORP and do go offroad, although nowhere near 20% (at least for now). Even off-road, for the places I plan to go, stock should be fine. When I need new tires I will likely get better all-terrain tires, but likely nothing more aggressive--as mentioned, they get noisy. I have a friend with a Jeep that has upgraded it for primarily off-road use, and it is *noisy*. Also, more aggressive tires might help a little in snow, but many people drive "regular" tires in it just fine (I am from New England). They do not help much, if any, on ice.

Mine came with the front and rear rubber mats, but not cargo. I got the LasFit cargo mat set and they are great. If the carpet is fine for you then great, but if you want better protection I highly recommend the LasFit. They sell the full set, only front/rear, or just cargo.

The non-hybrid only has a 400W inverter (well, yours should I think-I understand some trims do not include it) so that should be enough for a smaller fridge--especially a little one designed for a few cans. They also often run on 12V, which is probably even better. Just make sure you do not run it long without the engine running to keep the charge up.

The only mod I will be adding is a couple ditch lights (I have everything, just haven't installed them yet). If you do not plan to go offroad at night, though, you will not need them.

I did get the little storage thing that fits in front of my enternainment system screen from Muslogy:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYJRLDYC?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

It is really nice and fits very well. Hardly know it is there (in fact I keep forgetting to use it). The only problem with it is not its fault--it is in direct sun, so be careful what you put in it.

I also used this over the paint, plastic fenders, and windows/mirrors:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XYPS3PS?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1

After 3 months of application the water still beads nicely, very easy to apply.

I see no reason for you to consider a lift, that is really only relevant on more serious off-roading, and on-road will slightly reduce stability and handling (at least theoretically)--and are very expensive.

 

[NWRes]

Hi everyone,
I recently picked up a 2025 4Runner TRD Black Off-Road Premium and am looking for some input from those with more experience modifying these rigs. My use case is fairly straightforward:

• Primary use: Daily driver (office commute via freeway).
• Trips: Frequent winter runs to Mammoth — mostly paved snowy roads with occasional icy patches.
• Surfing: The other major use case is frequent beach trips. ON paved road mostly, sometimes dirt, loaded with surfboards and people.
• Priorities: Maintain decent fuel efficiency, avoid unnecessary complexity, and keep it practical for hauling people + gear.

I’m considering a few areas of modification and would love to hear your perspectives. I really like the general look and mods posted here (https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/thr...eak-at4w-285-75-17-method-305-25-offset.5884/) by kt1003 but wanted to see what the community thought of some of my specific questions:

1. Leveling vs. Lift Kits:
   • Looking at the Rough Country lift kit vs. the Westcott Designs preload collar kit for the new 2025s.
   • Goal: Slightly more aggressive stance + room for slightly larger tires, but I don’t want to compromise MPG or make loading gear harder (especially with surfboards/roof racks).
   • Question: For mostly highway + snow + sand conditions, would you go with a level, a mild lift, or leave stock?
2. Tires (Snow Performance):
   • I like the look of bigger setups but don’t think 35s make sense given performance/odometer recalibration/fuel concerns.
   • Ideally, I’d like a tire that’s going to be good enough to drive daily on freeway without creating too much road noise, getting too stiff but also allow me to do those winter trips to Mammoth. I like the design and the Three Peak rating with the Falken Wildpeak AT4 but worried about Load E rating and losing daily drive comfort.
   • Question: Any specific tire recommendations that balance on-road efficiency, and improved performance in winter conditions?
3. Wheels + Offset:
   • Planning to go bronze to match some bronze badge overlays I’ve already picked up. Thinking Method 703s and 305s Bronze but Im sure there are many more great options..
   • Question: 17" vs. 18"? Leaning towards something in 20-40mm + offset but interested in hearing community thoughts.
4. Other Tips:
   • Any “must-have” mods or accessories for someone splitting time between mountain snow trips, surf/beach runs, and daily commuting?

Thank you for your time and input. Ive already learned a ton reviewing threads on here. I will post pictures once I finish the mods.

I live in WA. During the winter I regularly drive in snow deep enough to likely rip off the air dam that is still attached. Then there are the drifts. Every year I have to chain up my lifted 3/4 ton truck at least once. When the mountain passes get bad the DOT may require either chains on all vehicles except for all wheel drive or chains required on ALL vehicles. In the manual that came with our 2025 TRD Off Road Premium it specifically states that chains cannot be used. I tried fitting a set of euro style chains that I had for our Sequoia. Not enough clearance. I'm told that socks may work but I have no experience with those. They apparently do meet the same qualification as chains. What I am more than likely to do is purchase a second set of wheels and studded tires for all four. Also something I have never done before and I have been driving over these passes and back roads for nearly 50 years.

 

[FloRunner]

@FloRunner your design looks awesome! Those wheels and tires look great.

What tires are you running on that?

Do you think the Wescott lift changed the look of the vehicle significantly? I haven’t been able to see one with that mod outside of photos so trying to understand if the lift changes the look significantly on its own?

Any downside you’ve noticed so far?

I was wondering the same thing about just how much of a visual difference the lift would make and didn't really know until I saw it in person. My opinion, is it's a game-changer and feels much higher and bigger than stock, even more than I would have thought. It looks super tough. However, it's the combo of tires and the lift. I thought about going with the lift and smaller tires but I'm so glad I didn't. They're like peanut butter and jelly.

Tires: Toyo Open Country A/T (E Load), 35 x 12.5
Downside: Westcott highly recommends C Load tires. I couldn't find any on the timeline I wanted so went with the E Load. Ride is rougher than stock for sure but I'm coming from a lifted Tahoe and Tacoma so it doesn't bother me at all. Next set of tires I get though will be C Load.

Hope that helps!

 

[SurfRunner]

I've got a set of TRD Black alloys supposedly coming and probably will switch over the stock LTX tires. My Girlfriend drives this one. We've done a lot of interior mods along with Toyota mud guards and upgraded to the Toyota Premium Horns and installed Red Line hood struts. The D pillar cargo lights are a good upgrade if yours doesn't have them. My Pro has them and they give you a lot more light when you're looking in the back for something in the dark. I installed the Las-fit rubber mats, replacing the Toyota ones because she's on the farm and figure these will provide better protection this winter. I also installed the center console tray and compartment for the inside of the console lid. I have these in all of mine and feel it's one of the best inexpensive mods

Nice set of mods. I like the D pillar cargo light suggestion. Will have to look into the Lasfit mats since several people have recommended them. Trying to keep sand and/or dirt out of the cracks as much as possible

 

[SurfRunner]

I generally agree with fur-runner (great handle, BTW!), likely stock is fine. I have the ORP and do go offroad, although nowhere near 20% (at least for now). Even off-road, for the places I plan to go, stock should be fine. When I need new tires I will likely get better all-terrain tires, but likely nothing more aggressive--as mentioned, they get noisy. I have a friend with a Jeep that has upgraded it for primarily off-road use, and it is *noisy*. Also, more aggressive tires might help a little in snow, but many people drive "regular" tires in it just fine (I am from New England). They do not help much, if any, on ice.

Mine came with the front and rear rubber mats, but not cargo. I got the LasFit cargo mat set and they are great. If the carpet is fine for you then great, but if you want better protection I highly recommend the LasFit. They sell the full set, only front/rear, or just cargo.

The non-hybrid only has a 400W inverter (well, yours should I think-I understand some trims do not include it) so that should be enough for a smaller fridge--especially a little one designed for a few cans. They also often run on 12V, which is probably even better. Just make sure you do not run it long without the engine running to keep the charge up.

The only mod I will be adding is a couple ditch lights (I have everything, just haven't installed them yet). If you do not plan to go offroad at night, though, you will not need them.

I did get the little storage thing that fits in front of my enternainment system screen from Muslogy:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYJRLDYC?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

It is really nice and fits very well. Hardly know it is there (in fact I keep forgetting to use it). The only problem with it is not its fault--it is in direct sun, so be careful what you put in it.

I also used this over the paint, plastic fenders, and windows/mirrors:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XYPS3PS?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1

After 3 months of application the water still beads nicely, very easy to apply.

I see no reason for you to consider a lift, that is really only relevant on more serious off-roading, and on-road will slightly reduce stability and handling (at least theoretically)--and are very expensive.

Appreciate your thoughts on the pro/con of the lift. Very helpful. Ordered the cermaic spray coating today!

 

[SurfRunner]

I live in WA. During the winter I regularly drive in snow deep enough to likely rip off the air dam that is still attached. Then there are the drifts. Every year I have to chain up my lifted 3/4 ton truck at least once. When the mountain passes get bad the DOT may require either chains on all vehicles except for all wheel drive or chains required on ALL vehicles. In the manual that came with our 2025 TRD Off Road Premium it specifically states that chains cannot be used. I tried fitting a set of euro style chains that I had for our Sequoia. Not enough clearance. I'm told that socks may work but I have no experience with those. They apparently do meet the same qualification as chains. What I am more than likely to do is purchase a second set of wheels and studded tires for all four. Also something I have never done before and I have been driving over these passes and back roads for nearly 50 years.

Wow. Wild that they stoked our car with a tire that cant accommodate a chain. Ill probably end up with winter tires. any particular ones you recommend?

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